ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stick by

idiom
Meaning

to follow or adhere to somebody or something, to remain loyal and unswerving in one's attitude towards somebody or something


Examples
SIMPLE

I will always stick by my best friend.

CONTEXTUAL

Even when the company faced serious trouble, the manager decided to stick by his team.

COMPLEX

Despite the mounting public criticism and the political pressure to resign, the minister chose to stick by his original decision.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beat off with a stick

    To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).

  2. 02

    beat with the ugly stick

    Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.

  3. 03

    carrot and stick

    The simultaneous rewarding of good behavior and punishing of bad behavior.

  4. 04

    clue stick

    A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.

  5. 05

    get on the stick

    To get started; to begin working; to become active.

  6. 06

    get stuck in

    To dedicate a large amount of effort towards.

  7. 07

    hit with the stupid stick

    Used to describe someone who is stupid or unintelligent.

  8. 08

    holy crap on a stick

    Emphatic form of holy crap.

Last updated April 17, 2026